General Information about the Skagit Historical Museum

EXPLORE Skagit County’s rich and rugged heritage by touring the SKAGIT LEGACY exhibit filled with scenes of early Skagit life from the mountains to the sea. From parlors to plows, Native American baskets to Shirley Temple dolls, the Museum galleries are overflowing with interesting and often unusual treasures of Skagit County’s vibrant past. EXPERIENCE the uniqueness of life in Skagit County through adult education programs like "Skagit Topics."

This program features LOCAL HISTORIANS and guest speakers. Check the 'Calendar of Events' to see what is scheduled. School children LEARN about their local COMMUNITY and local HISTORY through the Historical Museum's Blast to the Past Program, which offers interesting tours, a Time Traveler's Guide and TimeTraveler Trunks filled with artifacts and activities for the classroom.

SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM VISION
The Skagit County Historical Museum
will serve as the preeminent source for the understanding and
enjoyment of Skagit County's unique cultural history. In doing
so, the Museum will foster community identity, understanding,
and pride; offer a sense of belonging; and act as a forum for
bringing individuals and communities together. The Museum will
enjoy strong and diverse community support by representing the
history of all Skagit County people and communities; responding
to the changing needs of broad audiences; and exemplifying high
ethical standards.

SKAGIT COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM MISSIONThe Skagit County Historical Society shall preserve and present the County’s unique cultural heritage for the enjoyment and education of all.

This Society shall discover and collect material which may establish or illustrate the history of Skagit County.

This Society shall ensure the preservation of such material and assist with the preservation of historic buildings, structures, sites, districts, roads and trails as appropriate.

This Society shall seek to disseminate historical information and promote interest in the past by publishing historical material, presenting public programs and exhibitions and marking historic buildings, structures, sites, districts, roads and trails as appropriate.

Directions to the museum:
The Museum is easy to find. After entering La Conner on Morris
Street, turn left on S. 2nd Street, go two blocks to the Methodist
church. Turn left onto Benton Street. Continue for two blocks
to S. 4th Street. Turn left and go one block to the Museum.
There is plenty of free parking.

Research Inquiries
Our library resources are for use on the premises, and research
assistance is provided by appointment. Copies of historic photographs
are available for a fee.

Collections
The Museum documents, preserves, and interprets over 200,000
County-related artifacts. Extensive collections of dolls, household
items, quilts, clothing, Native American pieces, tools, and
farm equipment are exhibited on a rotating basis to provide
a variety of views into our county's past. Reference questions
regarding collections are answered by appointment. The Museum
also offers assistance to patrons who want to know how to store
and care for their personal heirlooms and photographs. The Museum's
goal is to "Preserve Skagit history for all people, for
all time."

Temporary Custody Agreement
Gifts of historic materials and artwork play an important role in helping the Museum expand its permanent collection. Objects offered for acquisition must be reviewed and approved by the Museum’s Collections Committee, which is charged with accepting only those items of Skagit County historic significance in sup-port of the Museum’s mission.

The Museum
Store offers an assortment of history-oriented merchandise.
Books on local and regional history, including an in-depth series
of Skagit County Historical Society publications, old-time toys
and Native American crafts provide distinctive and reasonably
priced gift ideas. Society Members receive 10% discount!

Volunteers Needed!Do you like to meet
and greet visitors to the area? Teach children
about our history? Clean, research or catalog
artifacts from long ago? If so, we could have
an interesting volunteer job for you 
or someone you know! Volunteers are needed
for tending the front desk, giving school
tours, and doing catalog work at the Skagit
County Historical Museum at the top of the
hill in LaConner. Volunteers can work from
one day per week to one day per month. Interested?
Call 360-466-3365 for more information.